Limavady man told police officer he would follow his car and have him shot - court hears

Limavady Courthouse.

Published:13:58Wednesday 22 April 2015

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A 26-year-old Limavady man told a police officer he would follow his car and have him shot, a court has heard.

Jason William Begley was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for three years, at Limavady Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer. The offences occurred on March 1 at Main Street in Limavady.

The court heard police were on foot patrol in the area when they saw two males arguing and attempting to fight. They were separated and asked to calm down and leave the area, however, Begley continued to swear and be abusive. Begley, with an address at Kennaght Terrace, Limavady, pushed a police officer and said “f*** off ... I will follow your car and have you shot”.

Defence solicitor, John Fahy, told the court Begley could not believe the comments could be attributed to him, but had conceded he had made them and entered a guilty plea.

“He still can’t believe he said those things, but the record is there,” said Mr Fahy.

District Judge Liam McNally said it was Begley’s fourth conviction for disorderly behaviour, and second for assault on police. He said Begley had also been bound over last year.

Judge McNally said Begley was building up “a formidable record” but he would give him “one final chance”.

In addition to the suspended jail sentence, Begley must pay £150 for breaching the order.